This time of the year we are all thinking about the aromas of roasted turkey and fresh baked pies. It’s also time to start thinking about the wines you are going to pair with the meal to make it the best experience possible.

We were lucky enough to be joined by two guest today: Ann Bramely the Host of the award winning Podcast EatFeed and Joe Davis, Founder of Arcadian Winery. Our discussion includes eveything from pairing wines with deep fried turkey to standing rib roast.

7 Responses to “Wines for the Holidays”

As I was listening to this show I was surprised to hear the reference to Fruit Loops aromas on Viognier. While my wife and I were dining at Disney’s Artist Point at the Walt Disney World Resort, I had a glass of Viognier. I was enjoying the aromas when it all of a sudden hit me: Fruit Loops!

I thought I might be nuts, but my wife agreed. We shared our observation with the server, and she smiled politely and probably enjoyed telling the other staff about the two goofballs she had who thought they smelled Fruit Loops on the Viognier.

Needless to say, I was relieved to hear that my wife and I are not the only ones who find Fruit Loops in our glass of Viognier.

Contrary to what Anne Bramley says in the show, there is no problem with stuffing a brined turkey. The stuffing doesn’t get any noticeable extra salt. The pan drippings are another story altogether: you’ll need to add extra water to make gravy that’s not over-salted.

Couild you talk Anne into posting the recipe for Brussells sprouts with Guinness and orange glaze? That was almost enough to make me wish I still had 15-year-old Bon Appetite magazines in my collection!

The general idea from the show for wine pairing worked for us: we had a 1998 Ridge Sonoma Station zinfandel. Even though this particular wine was probably better a year ago, it had the typical Burgundy characteristics: lightish body, strong acid, moderate fruit.

That’s the recipe! I use fresh rather than frozen Brussels sprouts though. Not a winter goes by that we don’t cook that up once or twice. If you can get your hands on the back issue (dec. ’94), it’s worth it. The sprouts are a side for a delicious Roast Goose with Port-Thyme Gravy in country-theme dinner layout.

My one experience with brining rendered the stuffing unpleasant at best, I’m afraid. And I know other cooks have written the same. But if you can get this great pre-technique to work with my favorite part of the meal, then go for it.

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GrapeRadio is a wine talk show. Show topics cover issues such as the enjoyment of wine, wine news and industry trends - the hallmark of the show is interviews with world class guest (winemakers, vineyards owners, wine retail / wholesale leaders, restaurateurs and sommeliers). The scope of the show is international so expect to hear many guests from around the world.

GrapeRadio has received numerous awards and honors including the 2008 James Beard Award for excellence in Journalism.

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